This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com

Maxwell Beech's second chance: The speech that brought a court to tears

Last month, the Star told the story of how Maxwell Beech had for years wanted to thank the merciful judge for having faith in him. Here's the speech he made on Jan. 17.

Maxwell Beech was given a chance last month to thank the judge whose merciful sentence he says changed his life. Beech's eloquent speech brought a courtroom, and the judge, to tears. (JENNIFER PAGLIARO / TORONTO STAR) | Order this photo

By Jennifer PagliaroStaff Reporter

Tues., Feb. 14, 2012

Facing serious prison time on gun and drug-related charges seven years ago, Maxwell Beech was turning his troubled life around and trying to raise his infant son. Justice Hugh Atwood decided to give the Brampton man a chance and sentenced him to just 90 days to be served on weekends so he could continue to work and care for his son.

Last month, the Star told the story of how Beech had for years wanted to thank the merciful judge for having faith in him. On Jan. 17, Beech brought a Brampton courtroom — and the judge — to tears when lawyer Gary Batasar interrupted proceedings to reintroduce Beech to Atwood.

Now the court transcript of that encounter has been made available.

Maxwell Beech: Good afternoon, Your Honour. How are you, sir?

The Court (Justice Hugh Atwood): Good afternoon.

Article Continued Below

Beech: About seven, eight years ago I was — life was like upside down and I was facing a substantial amount of time. I came here, my father came here, some people from the church came here as well.

Atwood: Yes.

Beech: And I had broke down in the courtroom — I had completely at that time — I had told you that, you know, I have a son and I have custody of him and I have changed. And I don’t know if you remember, this is many, many years ago. I was utterly hysterical — just hysterical.

Atwood: I do remember. I didn’t remember your face until you told me that, but now I remember.

Beech: And for years I’ve been trying to find the judge who sentenced me that day and gave me another opportunity. Another — another shot at life.

And I want to tell you, you have — I mean King Solomon couldn’t have adjudicated more wisely.

I just want to say from the bottom of my heart I really, really appreciate you giving me a chance, another shot at life. My life has never been the same since. I have never gone back. Just things have just really worked in my favour and I just wanted to say thank you.

I’ve been dying for this moment for years to find out who it was, but I mean I really, really appreciate that.

That day I remember you saying, “Mr. Beech, I can see that you are a changed man.” And you gave me the opportunity, another shot at life. And I just wanted to say thank you very, very much, Your Honour. I appreciate it. May God bless you and I mean that with all sincerity. Thank you very, very much.

I have my own business. Things are going on so well for me. My children are doing well. It just — I don’t know what to say. Words can’t express the gratitude that I feel for the decision you made that day.

More from the Toronto Star & Partners

LOADING

Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or distribution of this content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. To order copies of Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com